Government and Policy

Elderly deserve extra pensions: Expert

By Shan Juan (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-06-11 09:06

BEIJING - Local governments have been urged to pay the old age pension regularly since the nation's coffers can now afford it, but the public remains largely unaware of the benefits to which the elderly are entitled, according to a senior civil affairs official.

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Currently, only six provinces and municipalities, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Yunnan, have been paying local seniors over the age of 80 a pension ranging from 50 to 200 yuan ($7 to $29) a month, said Wang Zhengyao, director of the social welfare and charity promotion department under the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

He cited results from a survey conducted by the ministry, which was distributed to local administrations in May to encourage improved support of the elderly.

"Their pioneering practice of spreading the wealth to the needy should be encouraged and followed by other provinces, despite the absence of a State institution to support the elderly," he said.

It is primarily the public's lack of awareness, rather than the availability of funds, that has kept the nation's 18 million octogenarians from claiming social welfare, particularly the support they deserve in their old age, he said.

Wang denounced relatively rich costal provinces that failed to pay the allowance, when underprivileged Ningxia Hui autonomous region and Yunnan province had both adopted the practice.

Globally, over the past 40 years many countries have begun to support their elderly citizens in accordance with the law, according to media reports.

The Japanese government set up an old age pension system about 30 years ago. In China, more than 23 provinces and municipalities in the country are reluctant to pay the pension without receiving a budget from the central government.

The allowance is also currently given only to those with local hukou, or residence permit, with the amount varying regionally, according to Wang.

In response, "the ministry is working to introduce a unified old age pension system across the country," he noted.

However, some experts said the situation is difficult due to uneven economic development across the country.

Furthermore, many people, including some decision makers, still adhere to the traditional idea that the elderly should be supported by their offspring.

"That's an outdated concept and every citizen is entitled to social welfare provided by a responsible government," Wang said.

At least, the elderly in the same province should receive the same amount, he noted.

It should be paid once a month, he said, adding that in some regions where the pension is paid once a year.